Winter Driving

Thanks for all of the tips. Unfortunately some of them don't apply to us as we have a motorhome, not a travel trailer or a 5th wheel. The electric heaters are the portable kind so we can use less propane when the heat pumps no longer work. I will be sure to keep the propane full as well as the diesel fuel tank. We have traveled some in cold weather and have had the water pump freeze up while traveling, temps in the low 20's. I think that if I leave the basement vents open and run the propane heater some while we travel I can keep the water pump from freezing. We have a light bulb attached right under it so when we have power the bulb keeps the area warm enough.

Don't look forward to the trip but have to go to get some work done. We do have time so we can lay over if necessary due to inclement weather. Thanks again and ya'll travel safe.

Stu

Alternative to chains Auto Sock

Chains are seldom used in states without mountains or steep inclines/declines. I have never seen any in use in 60 years and lived in MI for 55 of those years.

doxiemom11, I have a set, used them in North Carolina years ago so yes they can be useful. There have been threads on these boards about them being required in ore, wash I believe. Have the set for my F350 and will put in the rv if we suspect travel to a winter storm area. I have seen chains on tires in Mi, as we have family there. When a kid we moved from UPSTATE NY to Tenn, and when we left NY (plattsburgh) there was 3 ft of snow on ground and it was snowing. Got to Tenn it snowed and then froze, out of school for 2 weeks! Some states just not prepared for winter storms and aftermath.

You won't need chains - may even be illegal in Indiana. Lived in MI for 55 years and never saw any on a vehicle. Maybe in the upper peninsula, but I think they are mostly used out west.

My vote is what cmcdar and Road Phantom stated.
In addition fill your propane tank before leaving.
Fill gas tank and propane at the half full point
Watch the weather if the roads start getting bad find a place to park till they get better and if possible top of gas tank at least.

I would keep an eye on the temps. If it looks like it will be above freezing, I wouldn't worry about it.WE have driven and camped many times in cold weather, even in the snow. One time in Gallop NM, it was 15 and snowing. Nothing froze. Next night in Williams, AZ it was 33.As long as you have the heat on it won't be a problem.But make sure you drain lines and dump as soon as you get home. I made the mistake of NOT doing that one time.It got really cold and windy that night.The next day everything was froze. But managed to get it thawed out with no damage.If I had left the heat on that wouldn't have happened. Live and learn. If it looks like days of freezing windy weather, then do as the others say and drain the lines and put antifreeze in the traps.

Road Phantom wrote:
I would winterize the trailer and use bottled water on the trip home. you can still use the heat and fridge, but not the drains. Chase the toilet with antifreeze and dump before putting the rig in storage.

This is exactly what I've done, and it works just fine.

I would winterize the trailer and use bottled water on the trip home. you can still use the heat and fridge, but not the drains. Chase the toilet with antifreeze and dump before putting the rig in storage.

Make sure you have a good set of chains. Too many try to get someplace with just the tires and find they have no traction or stopping ability. Keep the furnace on and well drive carefully.